Saipan is located in the Western Pacific, 2500 kilometres east of the Philippines. It’s the capital of the Mariana Island archipelago. You might know its better-known neighbour, Guam.

It’s not easy – but that’s why it’s still a secret paradise. There’s no direct flights from Australia, the easiest way to fly there is via Seoul with Asian Airlines, T’way Air or Air Seoul. You can also fly from Tokyo with United Airlines. As a Commonwealth of the United States, visitors require a US tourist visa (ESTA).

Well, have you heard of it? That’s unlikely and yet Saipan is home to some of the world’s most beautiful atolls, and it’s where you’ll find some of the best diving in the Pacific. Divers can expect water visibility exceeding 50 metres and an average water temperature of 27 degrees. As well as offering great clarity for coral species and marine creatures, it offers some of the world’s best wreck dives – there’s planes, ships and other relics of WW2 all through its waters. It’s also renowned for its mountains and jungles – but also offers modern tourist amenities like championship golf courses, luxury hotels and great restaurants.

Diving, diving and more diving. There’s some of the best dive sites on Earth here, like the Grotto, a collapsed limestone cavern within a pool of cobalt-blue seawater filled with three underground passageways that’s been voted the second best cave diving site in the world. Numerous dive companies operate here, offering dives all over Saipan, amongst white tip sharks, turtles, tropical fish and eagle rays year-round. Dive at Eagle Ray City, a rock formation rising out of the sand where you’ll find a minimum of 40 eagle rays each dive.

Adventurous travellers – check out the island’s mountainous interior and pristine jungle, littered with archaeological sites and prehistoric stone structures. There’s caves all over to explore, such as Kalabera Cave, whose walls are decorated with pictographs of rock art drawn by ancient indigenous artists. There’s hiking trails throughout, and adventure companies to show you the way. Climb Saipan’s tallest peak, Mt Tapochau, for views over the whole island. Take boat trips to offshore coral islands like Managaha Island, sheltered in a calm blue lagoon. Find your very own private island with secret sandy bays to spend your days.

History lovers will find WW2 relics across the island; at one point in the war, 30 000 Japanese troops were based here, and it’s the site of one of the major battles of the Pacific. You’ll find everything from Japanese bunkers, jails and abandoned airfields to plane and tank wrecks. It’s not all for outdoor enthusiasts: there’s modern resorts and hotels and great boutique shopping. You’ll find them mostly in Garapan, Saipan’s major town, the hot-spot for restaurants, bars and cafes. Try to time a visit with one of Saipan’s many cultural festivals, such as the Flame Tree Arts Festival, a four-day celebration of local Chamorro and Carolinian cultures through dance, food and art held each Spring as the flame trees bloom.